Boost \Boost\ (b[=oo]st), n.
A push from behind, as to one who is endeavoring to climb;
help. [Colloq. U. S.]
[1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

boost
n 1: the act of giving hope or support to someone [syn: boost,
encouragement]
2: an increase in cost; "they asked for a 10% rise in rates"
[syn: rise, boost, hike, cost increase]
3: the act of giving a push; "he gave her a boost over the
fence"
v 1: increase; "The landlord hiked up the rents" [syn: hike,
hike up, boost]
2: give a boost to; be beneficial to; "The tax cut will boost
the economy"
3: contribute to the progress or growth of; "I am promoting the
use of computers in the classroom" [syn: promote,
advance, boost, further, encourage]
4: increase or raise; "boost the voltage in an electrical
circuit" [syn: boost, advance, supercharge]
5: push or shove upward, as if from below or behind; "The singer
had to be boosted onto the stage by a special contraption"